Deep within the rich tapestry of Cheyenne legends lies the compelling story of Ehyophsta, the Yellow Haired Woman. Her tale, chronicled by anthropologist George Bird Grinnell, is a powerful narrative of divine intervention, a covenant of prosperity, and the profound consequences of a promise broken. It serves as a timeless reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, and the sacred trust inherent in indigenous traditions.
A People on the Brink of Starvation
Long ago, the Cheyenne people faced a dire crisis. Their lands were barren, lakes were dry, and a pervasive famine gripped the village. Children cried from hunger, and elders weakened, with only a meager supply of fish and birds remaining. The very survival of the tribe hung by a thread, prompting the chiefs to send out their strongest scouts in search of sustenance. After days of fruitless searching, the situation remained desperate.
A critical decision was made: the village had to relocate. Even after moving, the famine persisted. Two young men, sons of leaders, were then dispatched with a solemn command: find help and do not return without it. Their journey was arduous, stretching for eight days without food. Finally, they sighted a distant mountain and a hopeful shimmer of blue below it. However, one of the youths, overcome by weakness, collapsed, urging his friend to continue alone to find their final resting place.
The Coyote Man and a Miraculous Rescue
As the stronger boy attempted to cross a wide river at the mountain’s base, an unseen force seized his friend. He cried out, trapped, believing he was doomed. His companion, heartbroken, offered a final handshake before continuing alone. Suddenly, a mysterious figure emerged: an old man cloaked in a coyote skin, wielding a large knife. This Coyote Man dove into the river, battling a colossal serpent and ultimately severing its head, causing the river to thrash violently. The Coyote Man directed the boy to a rock door on the mountain, telling him to inform the old woman inside that her husband had finally slain the serpent.
Inside the mountain, which was no ordinary peak, the boy found a welcoming lodge and a sweat house. The Coyote Man performed a healing ceremony, revitalizing the weakened youth. An old woman, serving food in white stone bowls, nourished them. The Coyote Man then presented a beautiful woman, asking if she should be a sister or a wife. The elder boy, out of compassion, suggested his friend marry her. The Coyote Man approved, then revealed visions of unparalleled abundance: fields of corn, vast herds of buffalo, deer, elk, horses, and birds of every kind. He declared, “All this will follow my daughter. Take her back to your people. She will bring life.”
The Sacred Warning and a New Era of Prosperity
Before their departure, the Coyote Man issued a solemn warning to his daughter, the mysterious woman: “If you ever feel sorry for an animal – if you ever say, ‘My poor buffalo’ or ‘My poor bird’— everything will disappear. This is very important. Do not pity what must feed the people.”
Upon their return to the Cheyenne camp, the people rejoiced. The woman was welcomed with great honor, and the elder boy recounted their miraculous journey. The very next morning, the village awoke to find itself surrounded by enormous herds of buffalo. The people harvested only what they needed, and the camp was soon overflowing with food, skins, and resources. The woman, now known as Ehyophsta, became deeply respected, her presence a constant source of life and abundance.
The Broken Promise and Its Tragic End
Years passed, and the village thrived. Despite the prosperity, Ehyophsta’s husband expressed a desire to revisit the mountain and thank her parents. After initial reluctance, she agreed, secretly transporting them there. The Coyote Man welcomed them but reiterated his grave warning: “Remember – never say ‘Poor animal.'”
However, the sacred promise was eventually broken. One day, a group of boys cruelly tormented a buffalo calf in the camp. Ehyophsta, witnessing the cruelty, cried out, “My poor calf!” Though she immediately stopped herself, it was too late. That very day, the vast buffalo herds vanished, leaving the Cheyenne people once again facing scarcity.
Ehyophsta knew what had transpired and what must happen next. She called her husband and his friend, announcing her departure. “If you come with me, I’ll be glad. If not, your life here will be hard.” They chose to follow her, and the three disappeared from the village, never to be seen again. The animals did not return until much later, brought back by other revered figures in Cheyenne tradition: Standing-on-the-Ground and Sweet Medicine.
Conclusion
The legend of Ehyophsta is more than just a captivating tale; it is a profound teaching embedded in Cheyenne culture. It underscores the vital importance of honoring sacred covenants, demonstrating that prosperity is often tied to respect for the natural world and its creatures. Ehyophsta’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even the greatest gifts can be lost when a deep, foundational promise is broken, emphasizing the delicate balance required for sustained harmony and abundance within a community and with nature.
